Color Change

Gen III
Effect

Whenever this Pokémon takes damage from a move, the Pokémon's type changes to match the move. If the Pokémon has two types, both are overridden. The Pokémon must directly take damage; for example, moves blocked by a Substitute will not trigger this ability, nor will moves that deal damage indirectly, such as Spikes. This ability takes effect on only the last hit of a multiple-hit attack. In Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness, this ability does not take effect on Shadow-type moves.

GenerationGen III
Pokemon1
Hidden Ability Holders0
Game Descriptions
Gen IIIChanges type to foe’s move.
Gen IVChanges the Pokémon’s type to the foe’s move.
Gen VChanges the Pokémon’s type to the foe’s move.
Gen VIThe Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
Gen VIIThe Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
Gen VIIIThe Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.

Color Change in Battle

Color Change causes the Pokemon to change its type to match the type of any damaging move it is hit by. If the Pokemon has two types, both are overridden and replaced with the single new type. This constant type-shifting makes the Pokemon's resistances and weaknesses unpredictable from turn to turn.

The type change occurs after the damage is dealt, meaning the Pokemon takes the hit with its original typing and only changes type afterward. In battles with multi-hit moves, Color Change originally triggered on every hit (Generation III-IV), but was later changed to only activate on the final hit of the sequence.

The ability only triggers from direct damage — entry hazards like Spikes, weather damage, or damage absorbed by a Substitute will not cause a type change. Color Change is the signature ability of Kecleon, the chameleon Pokemon introduced in Generation III, reflecting its camouflage nature.

Pokemon With Color Change (1)

#NameTypeOther AbilitiesHidden?HPAtkDefSpASpDSpeTotal
#352KecleonKecleon
Protean (HA)
Regular6090706012040440

Effect Changes

VersionChange Description
Black WhiteTriggers on every hit of multiple-hit moves.

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